Patrick O’Leary has finished sixth in the KL3 canoe final in Rio, after clocking the fastest time of his debut Paralympic Games.
The Corkman had finished third in his heat in 45.977 before taking third again in the semis with a 44.135, which was enough to earn spot in the final.
He saved his best performance for the decider – a 42.783 – but it wasn't enough to push for a place on the podium.
Ukrainian Serhii Yemelianov took the gold thanks to a PB of 39.810. Tom Kierey of Germany bagged silver in 39.909, with home favourite Caio Ribeiro de Carvalho scooping bronze in 40.199.
This was O'Leary's Paralympic debut as canoeing is making its first appearance at the Games.
The NUI Galway lecturer only took up para-canoeing after having a leg amputated five years ago and has since made six finals at European and World championships.
RESULT: Pat O'Leary finished 6th in the KL3 sprint canoe final in a time of 42.783 #teamireland #morethansport pic.twitter.com/euNrcWLNAs
— Paralympics Ireland (@ParalympicsIRE) September 15, 2016
